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"Neil C. Young Trio - El Camino"
The Jazz Mann

Punchy but melodic fusion for unadorned guitar, bass and drums. The Neil C. Young Trio "El Camino"

Neil C. Young is a guitarist and composer based in Lancashire who does most of his work in the North of England and the East Midlands. Between 1990 and 1992 Young studied guitar with Gary Boyle (mainstay of the fondly remembered 70's Brit fusioneers Isotope and subsequently a successful solo artist) before moving on to Birmingham Conservatoire where his tutor was Midlands based guitarist/bassist Fred T. Baker.
On leaving the Conservatoire in 1996 he led the Ofay Jazz Quartet and Ofay Big Band playing jazz standards and has subsequently performed with Boyle, Birmingham based pianist Steve Tromans, trombonist Barnaby Dickinson and with the band The Latin Committee. His two main current projects are the trio featured on this album and the more rock orientated Rokasayers formed in 1999 by Young, bassist Simon Dale and drummer Richard Young, the core trio sound being augmented by the use of turntables, samplers and synths.
The Youngs (it's not clear whether or not they're brothers) are common to both groups with this trio being completed by electric bassist Alan Whitham. The music is still basically located in the fusion area with Gary Boyle's influence readily apparent. Young also cites John Scofield, George Benson, Pat Metheny and pianist Keith Jarrett as inspirations and elements of all these are discernible in the trio's blend of punchy but melodic fusion for unadorned guitar, drums and bass.

The self released "El Camino" represents the group's second album and follows the earlier "Where's Yours?", a recording that elicited praise from the celebrated American writer and critic Bill Mikowski (writing for "Jazz Times"), biographer of the late, great Jaco Pastorius, almost certainly another source of inspiration. The all original programme of "El Camino" features seven pieces by Neil C. Young and one by Richard Young.
It's Richard's marvellously named "Nutter Strut" that kicks off the album (the trio have a definite way with titles) a breezy, high energy strut with Neil's choppy guitar chording meshing well with Whitham's springy, propulsive bass and Richard's crisp rock/funk drumming. It's unpretentious and fun with the hard hitting grooves laced with a sense of humour.

Neil's "The Wagon (it left without me)" opens with a roll of Richard's drums before settling into a pattern of alternating rock/jazz passages with Neil's sparkling single note soloing (definitely a touch of Wes Montgomery here) underpinned by Richard's busy rock influenced drumming and Whitham's cushioning bass grooves.

"Slashville" (another great title) features a killer hook and groove (not unlike Isotope in their hey day) which forms the jumping off point for Neil's chord based guitar explorations. Chuggingly insistent the piece has a way of getting under your skin and staying there.

"Anonaggen" represents a pause for reflection with its extended solo guitar intro. Whitham and Richard Young enter slowly on a piece that is initially more atmospheric than its jokey title might suggest. Whitham's lyrical, liquid bass playing is a particular highlight before the tune moves up a gear to encompass something more funky and hard hitting. Definitely a performance of two halves but one that still finds room for a delicate coda.

"Ballaed' boasts another whimsical title but is a genuine ballad with Neil on delicately picked semi acoustic duetting with Whitham on resonant but lyrical electric bass. A total contrast to much of that which surrounds it the piece possesses real beauty and provides something of a palette cleanser before the slinky funk of the following "Bear Claw" with its insistent grooves and very different guitar and bass solos.

The energy levels are maintained with "Scooter" where Richard's crisp, restless drumming underpins Neil's nimble jazz guitar chording and Whitham's Pastorius like bass. The latter solos in singing Jaco style above above Richard's military like drumming before Neil returns to up the ante even more prior to a long groove based fade interspersed by further statements of the theme. Closing track "Slaphead" (surely he's not referring to me) is a good final encapsulation of the trio's jazz, rock and funk credentials with it's catchy, hooky high energy riffs and grooves that bind all three elements together.

Although there's nothing radical about "El Camino" the album is nonetheless a strong statement from a regular working trio who must be great fun to see live. Neil's jazz subtlety and sophistication combines well with Richard's powerful rock and funk influenced drumming and Whitham's agile, Jaco inspired bass. The three interact very well to produce a group sound that is greater than the sum of its parts and which works very well. There's more sophistication here than might be immediately apparent with the writing absorbing the listener's attention throughout. This is not a type of jazz I listen to very often these days and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album.

The trio occupy a niche that extremists at either end of the jazz spectrum are likely to dismiss but open minded listeners and particularly fusion and funk fans should find much to enjoy here. I'd like to think that the trio's music might appeal to adventurous rock audiences too.

Ian Mann 2012

"Neil C. Young - live at Strays April 8th 2011"
Strays Jazz

Last night's solo guitar event was a debut for Tapas y Stray's and what a debut it was! After managing to re-route from the A1 after a multi-vehicle collision, Neil started a little later than usual. What was to follow was something very special. Neil sat on his high stool in front of a packed courtyard and played two sets of standards, with a few of his own compositions thrown in to mix things up a bit. The way Neil just sits and plays flat out sums up his enthusiasm for what he does - that enthusiasm passed on to the audience who gave much applause after each tune was finished. During the break we reverted to one of our 'Tapas playlists' on the iPod and a track from Neil's album 'Solo Standards' was playing. "Tell me Neil, is that overdubbed for the album using two guitars?" - I was promptly shown that the track was indeed, Neil playing all by his lonesome. He played it, there and then after which, there was no doubt! Chega de Saudade is the piece I was referring to and I promise you, it sounds even better when you’re watching it being plucked deftly by a funky northerner on a high stool! Neil is with us for a few more dates this year playing solo guitar and if you want to experience a really personal, intimate gig, this would be the one to watch. Yes, his duo is in different ways, equally impressive but for me, there is no place to hide when you're playing solo to a listening audience and in that environment, Neil C. Young excels. Watching Neil play is like watching someone who is fluent in second language. After initially being impressed by the sounds, you then start looking at the technical ability and fluidity and finally feel slightly envious that so much talent is within one person! I'm really looking forward to seeing Neil play solo again and if I'm not working, that might be the gig I'll book to come and watch as a customer...
Mat Short 2011

''Where's yours''
Just Jazz Guitar Magazine. Just jazz Guitar Magazine.

''Where's yours?'' is Neil C. Young's current release. This CD is full of life and soul. It opens with a bright original called ''The Stockton 3'' Young blends both electric and acoustic guitar very nicely. The use of acoustic and electric guitars with the fat ''Jaco'' sounding bass reminds me of a Pat Metheny-influenced sound. But these tunes are new and original. Compositions are rich, harmonically.''Your watering eyes'' is a beautiful ballad that is presented in a chord-melody style. Young draws the listener in with his dynamics and lush chordal work here. He plays the strings in the back-ground too, which add nicely to the sweet sense in this song. There is a little Latin influence with''Vuelta a Espana'' Which features vocal lines harmonized with the guitar.''Anon'' is a beautiful ballad played on solo guitar. While there are some nice compositions and chordal work on Where's yours? This disc also gives Young a chance to show off some jazz and fusion chops. I really enjoy the emotion that Young displays in his originals. His compositions are wonderful. The melodies are harmonically sophisticated and very interesting. The arrangements are beautiful. Throughout the disc, the band grooves tightly and responds to one another nicely. I'm sure we'll hear from Neil C.Young in the future. I'm looking forward to it. Where's yours? is worth checking out.
-Eric Elias 2010

'Where's yours'

Neil C. Young is an instrumentalist with a vision. His vision is original and unique, not like any other artist we have ever heard. His melodies are memorable. This magnificent album contains his 2 break trough singles on Canadian American, 'Think On' and 'Driving To Montenegro', being shipped to worldwide radio for airplay in Januray 2011. They are also shopping his album at Midem in Cannes, France, January,2011 for licensing deals with foreign labels from all over the world. We are spreading the word about this gifted artist, because he is world class and will become world class in every listeners mind on Canadian American Records. Where's Yours is already on sale at CDBaby.
- Smooth Jazz Daily 2010

'Where's Yours' review

"Brit guitarist Neil C. Young incorporates aspects of two of his obvious guitar heroes 'Pat Metheny and Wes Montgomery' on this bright, appealing outing. On 'The Stockton 3' he underscores his Wes-like octaves with Metheny-esque strumming on acoustic guitar..." [click to read more]
-Jazz Times 2010

'Chick(pea) Soup' Dutch review

"Not to be confused with the Canadian singer songwriter who already started producing hits in the 60s, English jazz guitarist Neil C Young brings his first CD. Not often do you hear a CD recorded so purely that it feels as if you're in the English pub yourself, looking and listening to a "breed" musician. Still, Young did it, perhaps with less means than most already established would do..." [click to read more]
-Maxagine 09/07

'Nice Work'

"I've been listening to My Crazy Pony EP and it's great. Really excellent and unique arrangements. I've never heard a jazz album like it..." [click to read more]
-Will Phalen 09/07

'Trio produced wonderful music'

"Guitarist Neil C. Young comes from a family of musicians. He was a student of Viola at Birmingham Conservatoire before changing his first instrument to Guitar. At the Bridge, Burnley, he was joined by his brother, Richard, on Drums and Alex Berry on Bass Guitar. They provide the rhythm for The Earlies band. Neil began on his Guitar, acoustic in build, incorporating pick-ups for the sound system, dense chords flowing quite aggresively in funky rhythms..." [click to read more]

'My Crazy Pony'

"It is possible to find intelligent, accessible music if you know where to look. I looked on introducingtheincredible.com and found the EP My Crazy Pony by Neil. C. Young. The level of playing on this recording makes the music sound effortless, some tunes sounding like standards you just never heard before..." [click to read more]
- Bill Palmer, Avanti Display

'Take A Seat' (first review)

"Three track EP of excellent feel-good instrumental jazz from Colne Guitarist Neil in partnership with drummer Richard Young..." [click to read more]
- Keith Ames, MUsician Magazine

'Take A Seat' (second review)

"In this high-speed world of quick fix downloads and digital information there it is sometimes little opportunity to relish some of music's more delicate offerings. In Neil C Young's 'Take A Seat' EP, we are invited to savour his trio of self-penned compositions, which blends an assorted mix of styles with his own unique and playful harmonizing..." [click to read more]
- Rob Marshall, March 2006